Useful Bible Studies > Ephesians Commentary > chapter 1
In ancient Israel, family members had the right to pay for the freedom of someone who had sold himself as a slave (Leviticus 25:47-52). That was called ‘redemption’.
In Colossians 1:13-14, Paul describes redemption as the work of God when he forgives our sins (wrong and evil deeds). By that means, God frees us from the power that the devil, and our own evil behaviour, had over our lives. Formerly these things ruled over us, but now Christ, God’s Son, rules our lives.
In Ephesians 1:7, Paul uses a similar description, but instead he emphasises the cost of our redemption. God gave the most precious thing that he could: he gave the blood of Christ, his Son whom he truly loves (1 Peter 1:18-19). In other words, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
Christ’s death was necessary because death is the punishment for sin (Romans 6:23). Christ suffered our punishment so that we can receive from him life without end, in heaven and the New Jerusalem (John 11:25-26). The special meaning of blood in the Bible is life (Leviticus 17:11). Hebrews 9:22-28 describes how Christ offered his own blood as our priest. So, Christ offered his perfect life to God, and because of that, God can forgive our sins.
So, the cost of our redemption was a great price; however, Paul describes God’s grace (his wonderful kindness) as great wealth. It astonishes us to see how generously God gave (compare 2 Corinthians 8:9 and 9:15). He gave so much, so that we can receive a right relationship with him.
Next part: God's wonderful plan (Ephesians 1:9-10)
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© 2019, Keith Simons.